Homemade Baby-Food Recipes

You don't have to be a top chef to whip up delicious and nutritious homemade baby food. Here are seven simple recipes your little one will love.

Making homemade baby food is easier than you think, not to mention easier on your wallet. Plus, using homemade baby-food recipes lets you control what goes into the mix and more importantly, what doesn’t, like additives or excess sugar or salt. To stay on the safe side, make sure your cutie isn’t allergic to any foods before you serve up combo dishes, and don’t be afraid to get creative — babies can eat most pureed meats from the solid-food get-go.

In terms of gear, all you need is a blender, food processor, or immersion blender to make baby food out of the same ingredients you’re serving the rest of your family. These DIY purees will last in the fridge up to four days or in the freezer for three months max. Store homemade baby food in single-serving containers or ice-cube trays for easy-to-serve portions that you can defrost overnight.

Ready? Don your apron and read on for easy-to-follow instructions.

Homemade Brown-Rice Cereal

Rice cereal is a first-food staple, but this version kicks the nutrition up a notch by using fiber-and-protein-rich brown rice. Simply grind organic short-grain brown rice in a blender or spice grinder until it is finely ground. (Store the brown-rice powder in an airtight container until ready to use.) At mealtime, sprinkle two tablespoons of the brown-rice powder over a cup of boiling water and whisk until thick and creamy. If you like, cook this tummy-filling favorite with breast milk or formula instead of water for added nutrition.

Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes

These vibrantly hued veggies aren’t just packed with flavor — they also hold a healthy dose of vitamin A, which boosts your baby’s eyesight and immunity. Cut a batch of vegetables into chunks and roast in the oven at 425 degrees. Then set some apart to serve as a side dish at the adult dinner table. Puree the rest for your baby until smooth, adding a pinch of cinnamon to tantalize your tot’s tiny taste buds.

No-Cook Mango-Banana Puree

You can’t beat this beautifully bright, no-cook concoction for a fast, fresh snack that’s packed with vitamins A, C, B6, fiber, and potassium. Place chunks of ripe mangoes and bananas in a food processor and blend until smooth. (Bonus: This ba-mango mix makes a great base for a luscious low-fat grown-up smoothie — just add plain yogurt and ice and blend away.)

Banana-Molasses Oatmeal Mash

Rich in nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and fiber, it’s no wonder oatmeal’s a nutrition superstar. For a naturally sweet homemade version, add a few chunks of potassium-rich banana and a spoonful of molasses (a good source of calcium and iron) to already-cooked oatmeal. Then mash and mix using a little breast milk or formula to thin as you go.

Pear-Applesauce

There’s a sweet reason that little mouths open wide for applesauce — the fact that it’s full of vitamin C and fiber is an extra bonus. Add a ripe pear to your baby-food recipe to give it a nutrient boost and a little zest. Just steam peeled apple chunks until soft, then puree with peeled pear chunks until smooth. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve with a smile. (Tip: Make a big batch since Dad will probably be all over this one.)

Baked Potato Puree

Here’s how to turn a family favorite into a baby-friendly entrée. Prepare baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese for your dinner, then set aside a portion to blend with a little water until smooth for your little one. Besides the savory flavor, the dish packs in the broccoli’s iron, vitamin E, and calcium, as well as the potatoes’ vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and vitamin C. That dash of tangy cheddar cheese? It’s full of calcium and vitamin A.

Baby Beef Stew

With ingredients like carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and lean meat, beef stew is a satisfying grown-up meal that’ll also delight your little darling. Prepare your favorite stew, but before you spice it up too much, set aside a portion to puree. If the mixture’s too thick, just add a bit of water as you blend.

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